Peanut Butter Frosted Dark Chocolate Brownies

Makes: 25 brownies Prep time: 30 minutes Bake time: 25 to 30 minutes

Ingredients

Brownies

4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, ( I used K’ul brand)

3/4 cup butter

2 cups granulated sugar

3 medium sized eggs

1 teaspoon best quality vanilla

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk chocolate chips

Peanut butter cream frosting

1 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature

1/2 cup heavy cream

4 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon best quality vanilla

Chocolate ganache

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 tablespoons half and half

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

Directions

To make the brownie

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13×9 inch pan with foil and lightly butter the foil. Make sure you have enough to hang over the edge so you can pull the whole thing out of the pan.  In a microwave safe bowl, melt the baking chocolate and butter until melted. Transfer to a larger bowl and cool slightly.  Add the sugar, salt, eggs, and vanilla.  Fold in the flour and mix until just combined.  Spread into your prepared pan and sprinkle the milk chocolate chips over the top.  Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, being careful not to over bake them.  It is ok if they are a bit underdone, as opposed to overdone.  Cool in the fridge while you make the peanut butter frosting.

To make the peanut butter frosting

In the bowl of your mixer, add peanut butter, butter, vanilla and cream. With your whisk attachment, beat until fluffy and combined.  Slowly add in the confectioners sugar and beat until creamy.  Spread the frosting on top of the cool brownies and place back in the fridge while you make the ganache.

To make the ganache

In a small saucepan, add sugar, butter, and half and half and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 60 seconds and take off the heat.  Stir in the semi sweet chocolate chips and mix until combined.  Immediately pour over the peanut butter frosting and spread with an offset spatula.  Sprinkle the chopped Reeses on top.  Place back in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before taking off the foil and cutting. The chocolate should be completely set before you cut the bars.  Store in an airtight container after cutting. I keep them in the fridge and take a few out to come to room temperature before serving.